Nuggets Eye West's Top Seed as Wembanyama Awaits

2024-04-12

As the NBA regular season winds down, the Denver Nuggets have their sights set on securing the top seed in the Western Conference standings. With a one-game lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder, the Nuggets know that two more victories will clinch the #1 seed for the second consecutive season.

Their next challenge comes on Friday night, when they travel to San Antonio to take on the Spurs. While San Antonio sits near the bottom of the league standings at 20-60, they boast one of the most exciting young talents in recent memory – Victor Wembanyama.

The 7'5" French phenom, widely expected to be the #1 overall pick in this year’s draft, nearly recorded the first quadruple-double since 1994 in his last outing against Denver. Wembanyama flirted with history, tallying 23 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists, and a staggering 9 blocks.

For the Nuggets, staying healthy and rested is the top priority heading into the playoffs. Their injury report lists several key players as probable, including two-time MVP Nikola Jokic (hip), Jamal Murray (knee), and Michael Porter Jr (knee). Having their stars at full strength will be crucial as they gear up for another deep postseason run.

While San Antonio is shorthanded, missing starters Keldon Johnson, Cedi Osman, and Devin Vassell, the Nuggets cannot afford to overlook Wembanyama’s talent. The rookie sensation has taken the league by storm with his unique blend of size, skill, and defensive prowess.

A win in San Antonio would also move Denver one step closer to making franchise history. With 56 victories already this season, two more wins would set a new record for most wins by the Nuggets in a single campaign.

For head coach Michael Malone and his squad, the goals are clear – lock up the #1 seed, get the playoff rotations set, and peak at the right time as they pursue their first-ever NBA championship. Standing in their way? A potential future superstar in Wembanyama looking to make one last statement.

Tune in Friday at 6pm MT on Altitude TV and 92.5 FM as the Mile High Battle for the West’s top spot wages on. History could be made in more ways than one.